CVE-2000-0921 in Shopping Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Hassan Consulting shop.cgi shopping cart program allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack on the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0921 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Hassan Consulting shop.cgi shopping cart application, classified under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms in the page parameter handling. The flaw occurs when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server's file system, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or other confidential data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of the page parameter, which is used to determine which content page to display. When the shop.cgi script processes user input without proper validation or sanitization, it directly incorporates the page parameter into file system operations without ensuring that the requested path remains within the intended directory boundaries. This allows attackers to navigate upward through the directory structure using sequences like ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts to access files outside the web root directory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication and can potentially lead to complete system compromise if sensitive configuration files or database credentials are accessible.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0921 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access critical system files that could reveal underlying system architecture, user accounts, or application configuration details. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browser manipulation, automated scanning tools, or manual exploitation techniques. The attack surface is significant as it affects any web server running the vulnerable shop.cgi application, particularly in environments where multiple applications share the same server infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and credential access through path traversal methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. This includes normalizing file paths, implementing whitelist validation for allowed page parameters, and ensuring that all file access operations are confined to predefined directories. Organizations should also implement proper access controls, regular security audits, and application firewalls to detect and prevent such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular patch management and vulnerability assessment procedures should be implemented to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.